*Praying for you, La Shawn- a long-time reader and Christian sister, I would miss it if you discontinued, but listening to God is the best voice to read and hear- above all the ones talking on your blog

there’s like two hundred thousand people who live there. we don’t raze two hundred thousand people.

It’s Alaa’s blog, he goes by The Mesopotamian. It was written probably about a week ago. I had to go into his archives to pull this up. I also like a more recent post of his where he talks about the American elections. He feels that they are more important to Iraqi democracy than even their own elections. Here’s the addy.:

http://messopotamian.blogspot.com/

P.S. I have also wondered whether or not he is a Christian. I haven’t asked him because I don’t want to put him in danger. However, he is the only Iraqi I’ve seen talk about “the Lord”, grace and mercy. The others will use Allah, or maybe God.

LISTEN AMERICA
Hi,

I have been listening to the report about the WMD’s by Mr. David Kay. Now, all of you in the West must know that as far as we, the Iraqis, are concerned, we care very little that stocks of WMD’s existed or not at the time of liberation. For us Saddam and his regime were in themselves, the most lethal WMD that cost our people hundreds of thousands of victims not to mention the destruction of the economy and the very fabric of society in our afflicted country. That regime was a dead end for our people and with its continuation there was no hope whatsoever for the future. Mr. David Kay did mention something about this, and he should know, since he spent so much time in Iraq and has intimate knowledge of the situation. Saddamism is a cancer that we have yet to recover from. Western intervention lead by the U.S.A. was a God send to us, despite all the pain and misery that accompanied the operation and the repercussions that continue to rock the process of recuperation and rebirth of the nation. The U.S. soldiers are bravely standing in the thick of the turmoil and contributing with their blood and sweat not to mention the treasure of their land, towards curing us from the remaining ulcers of the disease after having performed the main surgery which no one else even dared even to think of.

Perhaps, the interests of our people were not the main consideration that led to that action; nevertheless, that does not change anything about the importance and implications for the people of Iraq of this tremendous historical act. Yes there is pain, chaos and loss; yet on the other hand, there is possibility of hope, and a clearly discernible “light at the end of tunnel”, to use this worn out phrase.

Were we better off during Saddam’s time? – A question to which many outsiders are very keen to know our answer. Well, in many respects the streets are much more insecure, yet the security that existed in Saddam’s days was like someone quietly waiting for certain death; like a cancer stricken individual carrying the disease in his guts with no hope or attempt at cure. Yes, the pain and torture may be much more terrible when the surgeon has operated and the disease is tackled; but at least there is hope of recovery and healing, and the prospect of life saving. And this is not allegory, nor a parable; this is coming from someone whose house has been standing in the midst of bombs and explosions for so long now, protected by none but the mercy and grace of the Lord; from someone who has suffered robbery, kidnapping and constant daily danger.

And here we are, trying to organize elections, trying to control the security situation, trying to restart the reconstruction, able to talk, able to think, able to watch satellite T.V., use the internet, the mobile etc. – in short everything that we have been forbidden to do before. And without the slightest hesitation, we hail with Love and Gratitude our giant U.S. friend and his allies, standing with us shoulder to shoulder, braving the elements, braving death, calumny and hatred, shedding blood; to help us heal, to help us reach the shores of safety. And make no mistake, the campaign is winning and will achieve its objectives. Make no mistake; you have already created an allied nation in the very heart of the M.E. despite all appearances, which will produce all the long term benefits and consequences so many times reiterated by President Bush, to the ridicule and insults of the profoundly mistaken, of the profoundly hating.

America, stay the course – God, Decency, Honor, Hope and everything that is virtuous and right is on your side, beside the majority of the Iraqi people. America do not waiver, for you have never waged a more noble and just campaign in your entire history. America, we are winning, God’s willing, and Victory is coming sooner than many might think.

Salaam

# posted by Alaa : 6:07 AM

Now here we are again and I think the situation is different. The people now realise their government is involved and it’s Falluja or contiued violence. The USA/Iraqi forces will take Falluja beginning next week, or the day after the election in my opinion. The other point is that it’s a useless exercise to take a town ulnles youhave the means and environment to hold it. I think that situation is closer to favorable now than back in March.

Raymond, Are you speaking from first hand knowledge here? BTW, did you hear Blair is being accused by his political opposition in Britain of trying to help Bush’s reelection? The self-interest an selfishness, at the expense of your country and its soldiers at risk, is just mind blowing.

I love politics and have often thought of running for office, but after self-examination and observation of the stuff that goes on in politics, I know I just cannot
do the rotten things required win.

About time!

One blogger noted that our chances of success in getting rid of the terrorists/insurgents now are greater than they were a few months ago. Since the initial withdrawal from Fallujah, the military have spent time developing human intelligence. Key was to determine the web of relationships of many of the key figures, both among the insurgents and among the emerging Iraqi leaders in this, and other, towns. Then they could use that network to gather information and understand the dynamics of the mostly tribal behaviors. Plus, the regular folks have now had a taste, however brief, of, first, freedom, then renewed control and intolerance under the insurgents/terrorists. So now instead of siding with their ‘own’, the common Iraqis know first-hand that they do NOT prefer the suppresion, fear, and intimidation of the insurgents. They are therefore coming forward and aiding the U.S. and Iraqi military and police efforts to capture or kill the insurgents/terrorists.

Was this consciously planned? I don’t know. I’d like to believe our leaders were this wise. I suspect that they learned it enroute to this, and based on what several of the military bloggers are saying, our military leadership is finally learning to listen to the guys in the front lines.

Afghanistan is well on its way to freedom and democracy, and Iraq is next. Too bad Kosovo, under the UN, is still floundering 5 years after it was ‘liberated’ under Clinton and the UN. I think the UN is making itself redundant, and good riddance.

Iraq is about as sovereign as a saturday night hooker. When want to do something we sould and WILL do it.

Since the IGC has been in control, they have pursued negotiations. Now, it seems, Allawi and the IGC are fed up, and ready to let us finish the job.

Better late, than never . . .

Then let us take into account what is needed militarily, not politically, to take on another mission. At this point it is premature to suggest that we can finish Iraq, regroup, and start another push immediately. We are wise to yield to military commnaders as to whether the military is ready.

Armchair generals are plentiful, but unless you’ve been amid the political decisions going on from interim President Allawi, I have to believe he is more equipped to handle the situation than all the armchair generals over here are.

I don’t think anyone is waiting ’til after the election. The process has begun. Maybe not to everyone’s instant gratification, but give them the benefit of the doubt and see if Allawi can manage this with the least amount of bloodshed. Massive dissention between the locals and Zarqawi are already hepling to begin the end for him and his followers. Think about what has been accomplished so far and in such a short amount of time.